Debates of August 16, 2007 (day 11)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories, GNWT, strives to create a work environment that recognizes professionalism, leadership, integrity and respect for others. These shared values help public service employees adhere to high standards that maintain and foster public confidence in the government. To ensure continued public confidence in the territorial public service, the government is considering the feasibility of whistleblower protection for employees in the GNWT.

There are a number of different approaches to achieve the goal of whistleblower protection from stand-alone legislation to regulations under an existing act to government policy. It is important to consider which approach would be most practical for the GNWT.

At the appropriate time today, I will be tabling a consultation discussion paper: The Feasibility of Whistleblower Protection in the Government of the Northwest Territories. The paper is designed to encourage employee participation and discussion in the development of whistleblower protection for the territorial public service. The discussion paper is available on the Department of Human Resources website.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, a message was sent to all employees, along with information posters, inviting them to provide comments on the concept of whistleblower protection and what should be included by September 30, 2007. The unions representing GNWT public service employees have also been invited to comment.

---Applause